Alarm raised over security of laptops

Primary school head teachers are appealing for funds to build strong rooms for the laptops provided to their students.

Chairman of the Embu West primary school heads association James Mwaura said many institutions lack sufficient structures to enhance safety of the gadgets.

The official urged county governments to give them subsidies to help them build good storage facilities.

According to Mr Mwaura, inadequate security could pose a hindrance to the implementation of the project.

“We want county governments to give subsidies to schools because we foresee challenges in implementation.

“Many schools don’t have proper infrastructure to store them,” he said.

BURGLAR PROOF

Embu University College principal Daniel Mugendi however noted that schools can use a burglar proof room.

He said the laptop project is noble idea meant to ensure that Kenya realises the Millennium Development Goals.

Prof Mugendi called on schools to stop employing elderly men as watchmen saying they are at a risk of being ambushed in the event of a robbery.

On free primary education, Mr Mwaura urged the government to increase funds saying schools are struggling to pay debts due to inflation.

He demanded that the Sh1020 issued per pupil from 2003 be increased to Sh3,000 to cushion public schools.

Mr Mwaura said the cost of basic commodities like books and other school equipment has doubled since the government first rolled out the subsidy.

“A book which cost Sh230 in 2003 is now selling at Sh560. Publishers have raised their prices by over 100 per cent. We need more money to cushion ourselves from these effects,” he said.